US Airstrikes Target Islamic State Militants in Northwestern Nigeria Amid Unclear Details
On 25 December, US airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria targeted Islamic State militants in cooperation with the Nigerian government. Bola Tinubu, adviser to the Nigerian president, described the details on those targeted as sketchy and unclear. He suggested the targets could have included Lakurawa, Boko Haram, Islamic State, or affiliated groups.
US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that ISIS terrorists were targeted with powerful and deadly strikes. Confirmed strike sites included Jabo in Sokoto and Offa in Kwara; however, no casualty figures or identities were disclosed in reports.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that more information regarding the strikes would be forthcoming. The report also noted domestic framing concerning Christian persecution in Nigeria but highlighted that data showed violence against Muslims occurring at a similar rate.
